Helping or Exploiting? The Social Duality of Support in Times of Need

When people face crises — whether it’s a natural disaster, a financial setback, or a health emergency — we often see an outpouring of support. Donations flood in, neighbors lend a hand, and communities rally to provide comfort. At first glance, it seems like a celebration of human empathy. But there’s a deeper, more uncomfortable truth lurking beneath: the duality of our response. Alongside genuine acts of help, there’s a tendency for some to exploit the vulnerable, turning moments of crisis into opportunities for personal gain.

This duality isn’t new. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed both sides clearly. While healthcare workers and volunteers risked their lives to help, others took advantage by hoarding supplies and reselling them at inflated prices. On a corporate level, some companies pivoted to support communities by donating essential goods, while others exploited the fear and uncertainty with deceptive marketing tactics, pushing unnecessary or overpriced products under the guise of “help.”

The problem isn’t just isolated to individuals or businesses acting selfishly; it’s often a symptom of larger systemic issues. Structural inequalities mean that those already on the margins of society are more likely to face exploitation during crises. For example, after major hurricanes or floods, wealthy investors swoop in, buying up damaged properties at low prices, only to sell them at a profit later. What might appear as “help” in revitalizing a devastated area can instead become a form of economic displacement, pushing out long-term residents who can no longer afford to live there.

Even charitable actions can have a dark side. Many companies and public figures use philanthropy as a way to gain social capital or improve their image. This performative altruism — when helping is more about looking good than doing good — highlights the thin line between support and self-interest. While donations and social media campaigns might bring temporary relief, they often do little to address the root causes of the problems or empower the affected communities in a lasting way.

So how do we navigate this complex reality? It starts with recognizing that true help should empower, not just provide temporary relief. Instead of imposing solutions from above, those offering assistance must listen to the needs of the people they aim to support. And as a society, we need to be critical of who is benefiting from acts of help and whether these efforts are perpetuating the very inequalities they claim to address.

The measure of genuine support is not just in the gesture itself, but in the impact it leaves behind. Does it restore dignity, agency, and opportunity for those in need, or does it leave them indebted and dependent? The challenge lies in ensuring that our responses to crises are guided by empathy and equity, rather than by hidden motives or the pursuit of profit. Only then can we bridge the gap between helping and harming, and build a more compassionate society in the process.